WMB in the Community

Operated by the Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society (BIMES)

The programs offered at the hatchery give kids from pre-school to high school the opportunity to experience the wonder of nature. They can have all sorts of hands-on experiences while being out in the fresh air and can seek cover under the large open-sided tent teaching area recently installed for COVID-safe learning.  At times, the hatchery also offers sessions for adults and for university students, especially teachers-in-training. The Mossom motto is ‘You only care about what you know about.’

The facility is run by volunteers. Prior to the pandemic, it was open for public visits; however, since COVID-19 hit, the hatchery has had to reduce attendance to core volunteers performing necessary maintenance and fish rearing tasks. They have transitioned to on-line educational sessions and in person programs for small groups of home-schooled students. To learn more about upcoming online programs, visit http://www.mossomcreek.org

Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services has been involved with Mossom for a few years from an insurance and advocate/advisory perspective. More specifically, Glen MacRae, our Executive Vice President – Claims, has been involved with the program from many positions: he has been on the Board of Directors, he played an integral role in accessing additional insurance funds that helped Mossom recover and rebuild after a devastating fire (Like a phoenix rising, they have come back better than ever; we encourage you to visit their website to see all the photos of their centre.) and he continues to be a strong advocate for the program in many ways.  Most recently, he applied for a grant through the Better Communities program offered from Intact that helped access much needed funds for the society.

If you’re interested in learning more about the programs offered by BIMEs or getting involved, there are lots of ways to participate. In addition, if you are able to donate, there is a tax-deductible opportunity to support Mossom though their website.

Quest Food Exchange first started as a youth group delivering sandwiches to those in need on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. As this program gained momentum and the positive feedback started coming in – the outreach program continued to grow. They understood there was a demand for healthy food on the DTES. What started as sandwich delivery grew to a small soup kitchen and continued to grow into what it is today.

In 2016 alone, Quest Food Exchange received $8,405,985 in food and products donations; over 240,000 shopping trips were taken to the Quest Food Exchange and through sustainable practices over 600,000lbs of carbon emissions were diverted from the earth’s atmosphere. Focusing on community, Quest has helped provide snacks to over 250 inner-city school children with weekly snacks at five different schools in the Lower Mainland – helping children in our community never go hungry.

As Quest continues to grow so does their need for support. Donations of services, items, and money goes along way but if you are unable to donate those things – volunteering for the organization helps them ensure that they can continue to provide the care needed in the Lower Mainland.

How does the program work?

With the mandate of “reduce hunger with dignity” Quest redistributes food from all branches of the local food industry that would usually go to waste. The food gets sorted, processed and given to organizations helping out the people who need it most. Not only is this food providing sustenance, but the food is nutritious and healthy. Covering this most basic need is essential in preventing disease and promoting strength and healing. Quest’s role is invaluable to the communities of the Lower Mainland.

On June 5, 2017, our team worked with Economical Insurance to provide a donation of $5,000 to Quest Food Exchange. This experience allowed us to get an inside look at the food recovery and distribution center. It was an eye-opening experience that enabled us to see, first-hand, all of the good this organization does for our community. We are fortunate to have had this opportunity, and we are eager to continue to support those in need, and the organizations that provide for them, in Vancouver.

Ronald McDonald House British Columbia Yukon is a non-profit organization that gives a space to families with seriously ill children who are in need of a temporary place to call home. Offering both short-term and long-term housing solutions, RMHBC helps these families through the toughest time in their lives. RMHBC is located steps away from BC Children’s Hospital allowing all of its families a safe, fun, and nurturing place while still being close to treatment.

Family Meal Program

Ronald McDonald House offers a program for volunteers to come in and prepare meals for the families there. WMB Insurance Group took part in this event allowing our team to connect with the children and families at the house. Our team consisted of 15 people who prepared, cooked, cleaned, and entertained for the families at RMHBC. Throughout the meal and in the games afterward, we could hear the laughs and see the smiles showing us just how important these events are for the community. To take part in the Family Meal Program, visit the Ronald McDonald House website and get involved!